Illuminator with ultraviolet and blue-ultraviolent light source

ABSTRACT

An illuminator comprising more than one set of ultraviolet radiation sources. A first set of ultraviolet radiation sources operate in a wavelength range of approximately 270 nanometers to approximately 290 nanometers. A second set of ultraviolet radiation sources operate in a wavelength range of approximately 380 nanometers to approximately 420 nanometers. The illuminator can also include a set of sensors for acquiring data regarding at least one object to be irradiated by the first and the second set of ultraviolet radiation sources. A control system configured to control and adjust a set of radiation settings for the first and the second set of ultraviolet radiation sources based on the data acquired by the set of sensors.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The current application claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 62/576,695, filed on 25 Oct. 2017, which is herebyincorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates generally to the illumination treatment ofsurfaces, and more particularly, to treating surfaces with ultraviolet(UV) and blue-UV radiation.

BACKGROUND ART

Ultraviolet radiation has been used to destroy infectious materialspresent within various medical facilities, such as, surgery rooms. Thus,it is known to destroy infectious material using ultraviolet radiation.While the generation of ultraviolet, type C (UV-C) radiation for thepurpose of sterilization of surfaces is not a new idea, traditionalhandheld products utilize mercury lights are undesirable for severalreasons. These products can be difficult to maintain, contain mercury,and may require high voltages. Recently, UV-C light emitting diodes(LEDs) have appeared on the market and are capable for effectivesterilization of surfaces. However, such UV-C LEDs still suffer from lowefficiency.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Aspects of the invention provide an illuminator with ultraviolet andblue-UV sources. Prolonged exposure to blue-UV light, e.g., in thewavelength range of approximately 380 nanometers (nm) to approximately420 nm, results in sterilization due to generation of reactive oxygenspecies (ROS). The present invention combines both UV LEDs and blue-UVLEDs in order to improve the disinfection of surfaces.

A first aspect of the invention provides an illuminator, comprising: afirst set of ultraviolet radiation sources, each ultraviolet radiationsource in the first set of ultraviolet radiation sources operating in awavelength range of approximately 270 nanometers to approximately 290nanometers; a second set of ultraviolet radiation sources, eachultraviolet radiation source in the second set of ultraviolet radiationsources operating in a wavelength range of approximately 380 nanometersto approximately 420 nanometers; a set of sensors for acquiring dataregarding at least one object to be irradiated by the first and thesecond set of ultraviolet radiation sources; and a control systemconfigured to control and adjust a set of radiation settings for thefirst and the second set of ultraviolet radiation sources based on thedata acquired by the set of sensors.

A second aspect of the invention provides a system, comprising: at leastone object; an illuminator configured to disinfect the at least oneobject by directing ultraviolet radiation at the at least one object,the illuminator comprising: a first set of ultraviolet radiationsources, each ultraviolet radiation source in the first set ofultraviolet radiation sources operating in a wavelength range ofapproximately 270 nanometers to approximately 290 nanometers; a secondset of ultraviolet radiation sources, each ultraviolet radiation sourcein the second set of ultraviolet radiation sources operating in awavelength range of approximately 380 nanometers to approximately 420nanometers; a set of sensors for acquiring data regarding at least oneobject to be irradiated by the first and the second set of ultravioletradiation sources; and a control system configured to control and adjusta set of radiation settings for the first and the second set ofultraviolet radiation sources based on the data acquired by the set ofsensors.

A third aspect of the invention provides an enclosure, comprising: anilluminator located adjacent to the enclosure, the illuminatorconfigured to direct ultraviolet radiation within the enclosure, theilluminator comprising: a first set of ultraviolet radiation sources,each ultraviolet radiation source in the first set of ultravioletradiation sources operating in a wavelength range of approximately 270nanometers to approximately 290 nanometers; a second set of ultravioletradiation sources, each ultraviolet radiation source in the second setof ultraviolet radiation sources operating in a wavelength range ofapproximately 380 nanometers to approximately 420 nanometers; a set ofsensors for acquiring data regarding at least one object to beirradiated by the first and the second set of ultraviolet radiationsources; and a control system configured to control and adjust a set ofradiation settings for the first and the second set of ultravioletradiation sources based on the data acquired by the set of sensors.

The illustrative aspects of the invention are designed to solve one ormore of the problems herein described and/or one or more other problemsnot discussed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features of the disclosure will be more readilyunderstood from the following detailed description of the variousaspects of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings that depict various aspects of the invention.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic of an illustrative illuminator according to anembodiment

FIG. 2 shows a schematic block diagram representative of an illustrativesystem including an illuminator according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 3A-3B show graphical examples depicting the operation of anilluminator according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4 shows an illustrative enclosure including an illuminatoraccording to an embodiment.

It is noted that the drawings may not be to scale. The drawings areintended to depict only typical aspects of the invention, and thereforeshould not be considered as limiting the scope of the invention. In thedrawings, like numbering represents like elements between the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As indicated above, aspects of the invention provide an illuminatorcomprising more than one set of ultraviolet radiation sources. A firstset of ultraviolet radiation sources operate in a wavelength range ofapproximately 270 nanometers to approximately 290 nanometers. A secondset of ultraviolet radiation sources operate in a wavelength range ofapproximately 380 nanometers to approximately 420 nanometers. Theilluminator can also include a set of sensors for acquiring dataregarding at least one object to be irradiated by the first and thesecond set of ultraviolet radiation sources. A control system configuredto control and adjust a set of radiation settings for the first and thesecond set of ultraviolet radiation sources based on the data acquiredby the set of sensors.

Ultraviolet radiation, which can be used interchangeably withultraviolet light, means electromagnetic radiation having a wavelengthranging from approximately 10 nanometers (nm) to approximately 400 nm.Within this range, there is ultraviolet-A (UV-A) electromagneticradiation having a wavelength ranging from approximately 315 nm toapproximately 400 nm, ultraviolet-B (UV-B) electromagnetic radiationhaving a wavelength ranging from approximately 280 nm to approximately315 nm, and ultraviolet-C (UV-C) electromagnetic radiation having awavelength ranging from approximately 100 nm to approximately 280 nm. Asused herein, blue-ultraviolet (blue-UV) radiation has a wavelengthbetween approximately 380 nm to 420 nm.

Generally, ultraviolet radiation, and in particular, UV-B radiation andUV-C radiation is “germicidal,” i.e., it deactivates the DNA ofbacteria, viruses and other pathogens, and thus, destroys their abilityto multiply and cause disease. This effectively results in sterilizationof the microorganisms. Specifically, UV-B radiation and UV-C radiationcause damage to the nucleic acid of microorganisms by forming covalentbonds between certain adjacent bases in the DNA. The formation of thesebonds prevents the DNA from being “unzipped” for replication, and theorganism is neither able to produce molecules essential for lifeprocess, nor is it able to reproduce. In fact, when an organism isunable to produce these essential molecules or is unable to replicate,it dies. Ultraviolet radiation with a wavelength of approximatelybetween about 250 nm to about 290 nm provides the highest germicidaleffectiveness, while an ultraviolet radiation between about 260 nm toabout 310 nm is sufficient for providing overall germicidaleffectiveness, and ultraviolet radiation between 260 nm to 270 nm is apreferred range for facilitating disinfection, sterilization of variousobjects. While susceptibility to ultraviolet radiation varies, exposureto ultraviolet energy in the above range for about 20 to about 34milliwatt-seconds/cm² is adequate to deactivate approximately 99 percentof the pathogens.

As used herein, a material/structure is considered to be “reflective” toultraviolet light of a particular wavelength when the material/structurehas an ultraviolet reflection coefficient of at least 30 percent for theultraviolet light of the particular wavelength. A highly ultravioletreflective material/structure has an ultraviolet reflection coefficientof at least 80 percent. Furthermore, a material/structure/layer isconsidered to be “transparent” to ultraviolet radiation of a particularwavelength when the material/structure/layer allows at least ten percentof radiation having a target wavelength, which is radiated at a normalincidence to an interface of the material/structure/layer to pass therethrough. Also, unless otherwise noted, the term “set” means one or more(i.e., at least one) and the phrase “any solution” means any now knownor later developed solution.

Turning to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows an illustrative ultravioletilluminator 10 according to an embodiment for irradiating an object 12that requires disinfection. The illuminator 10 can include a first setof radiation sources 14 and a second set of radiation sources 16 forirradiating the object 12. It is understood that first and second set ofradiation sources 14, 16, along with other features of the illuminator10, can be located at any location on the surface of the illuminator 10and the depiction in FIG. 1 is on an example of one configuration. Tothis extent, it is understood that the particular arrangement, sizes,quantities, etc., of the illustrative components of the illuminator 10depicted in FIG. 1 is only illustrative of various arrangements, sizes,quantities, etc., of the components.

The first set of radiation sources 14 and the second set of radiationsources 16 can comprise any combination of one or more ultravioletradiation emitter. Examples of an ultraviolet radiation emitter caninclude, but are not limited to, high intensity ultraviolet lamps (e.g.,high intensity mercury lamps), discharge lamps, ultraviolet LEDs, superluminescent LEDs, laser diodes, and/or the like. In one preferredembodiment, the ultraviolet radiation source can include a set of LEDsmanufactured with one or more layers of materials selected from thegroup-III nitride material system (e.g., Al_(x)In_(y)Ga_(1−x−y) N, where0≤x, y≤1, and x+y≤1 and/or alloys thereof). Additionally, theultraviolet radiation source can comprise one or more additionalcomponents (e.g., a wave guiding structure, a component for relocatingand/or redirecting ultraviolet radiation emitter(s), etc.) to directand/or deliver the emitted radiation to a particular location/area, in aparticular direction, in a particular pattern, and/or the like.Illustrative wave guiding structures can include, but are not limitedto, a wave guide, a plurality of ultraviolet fibers, each of whichterminates at an opening, a diffuser, and/or the like.

The first set of radiation sources 14 can include ultraviolet radiationsources that operate in the ultraviolet wavelength range (e.g., 10 nm to400 nm). In an embodiment, the first set of radiation sources 14 canoperate to emit radiation having a peak wavelength in or immediatelyadjacent to the UV-C wavelength range and are referred to as “UV-Csources” herein. For example, the first set of radiation sources 14 canemit radiation having a peak wavelength in a range of approximately 250nm to approximately 290 nm. In a more specific embodiment, the first setof radiation sources 14 can operate in the wavelength range ofapproximately 270 nm to approximately 290 nm. Although FIG. 1 shows twoinstances of the first set of radiation sources 14 on the illuminator10, it is understood that the illuminator 10 can include any number ofinstances of the first set of radiation sources 14. Furthermore, each ofthe instances of the first set of radiation sources 14 can include anynumber of sources.

In an embodiment, each of the ultraviolet radiation sources in the firstset of radiation sources 14 can operate at a different peak wavelength(λ). In an embodiment, each of the ultraviolet radiation sources in thefirst set of radiation sources 14 can irradiate a different location ofthe object 12. In another embodiment, the first set of radiation sources14 can all irradiate different locations on the object 12 but withrelatively uniform radiation. In another embodiment, more than oneultraviolet radiation source in the first set of ultraviolet radiationsources 14 can irradiate a single location on the object 12 but eachultraviolet radiation source can operate at a different wavelengthand/or intensity.

In an embodiment, each of the ultraviolet radiation sources in the firstset of radiation sources 14 can operate at a specific wavelength withinthe range of 250 nm to 360 nm. In an embodiment, the wavelength rangecan be selected to be significantly narrower, depending on the type ofmicroorganisms being sterilized. For example, in an embodiment, thewavelength range can extend from 270 nm to 320 nm. In anotherembodiment, depending on the object 12, the wavelength range can extendfrom 280 nm to 300 nm, or from 260 nm to 280 nm. In one embodiment, theultraviolet radiation sources can have a peak wavelength that rangesfrom 270 nm to 300 nm. In another embodiment, the ultraviolet radiationsources can have a peak wavelength of 295 nm with a full width halfmaximum of 10 nm. It is understood that these ranges are only examplesand the wavelength range for the ultraviolet radiation sources in thefirst set of radiation sources 14 can be any wavelength range within therange of 250 nm to 360 nm.

Optical elements can be included to facilitate the efficiency ofradiation. In an embodiment, the first set of radiation sources 14 caninclude a set of reflective optical elements in order to focus theultraviolet radiation to specific locations on the object 12. In anembodiment, the set of reflective optical elements can include one ormore of: a lens, a set of lenses, a parabolic reflector, a wave-guidingstructure, and/or the like. In an embodiment, the optical elements caninclude UV transparent material.

In an embodiment, the second set of radiation sources 16 can includeblue-UV radiation sources that operate in the blue-UV wavelength rangeof approximately 380 nm to approximately 420 nm. The second set ofradiation sources 16 can operate at a higher intensity, with widercoverage that continuously operate over an extended period of time. Forexample, the second set of radiation sources 16 operating in the blue-UVwavelength range can operate continuously for several days. Prolongedexposure to radiation in the blue-UV wavelength range results insterilization due to generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROSare chemically reactive chemical species that contain oxygen. The ROScan disrupt the proliferation of microorganisms on the object 12 bybinding to and oxidizing the microorganisms.

It is understood that both the first set of radiation sources 14 and thesecond set of radiation sources 16 can produce a distributed intensityover one or more areas of the object 12 that is located a distance awayfrom the illuminator 10. In an embodiment, the distance between theilluminator 10 and the object 12 can range from a few centimeters toseveral meters. In an embodiment, irradiation of a location defines aregion of the object 12 that is impinged by radiation, wherein theintensity of radiation deposited at the boundary of the region is atmost 10% of the intensity of light deposited at the center of theregion. It is understood that the position of irradiated locations canbe adjusted to result in separate locations over the surface of theobject 12, wherein separate means that the intensity of radiationbetween each of the locations is no larger than 10% of the intensity inthe center of the locations. In addition, these locations of irradiationcan be designed to have relatively uniform radiation, with radiationintensity varying through the location by no more than several times(e.g., a factor of three or less) between any two points within thelocation.

The illuminator 10 can also include a third set of radiation sources 18.In an embodiment, the third set of radiation sources 18 can includesources of fluorescent radiation. In an embodiment, the third set ofradiation sources 18 can include visible radiation sources such asincandescent, fluorescent, laser, solid state, and/or the like radiationsources that operate at least partially in the wavelength range of 400nm to 700 nm. For example, the third set of radiation sources 18 caninclude a visible source of collimated light capable of irradiating asurface of the object 12 at a set of angles. Furthermore, theilluminator can include a sensor 20 (e.g., a visual camera) capable ofdetecting the intensity of the reflected light at the set of angles. Inan embodiment, the third set of radiation sources 18 can includeinfrared radiation sources such as blackbody, solid state, and/or thelike radiation sources that emit radiation that is in the wavelengthrange of 700 nm to 1 millimeter (mm).

Although only one sensor 20 is shown on the illuminator 10, it isunderstood that the illuminator 10 can include any number of sensors 20.To this extent, the illuminator 10 can include one or more of varioustypes of sensors 20. The set of sensors 20 can be configured to measurea plurality of conditions associated with the radiation from any of thesets of radiation sources 14, 16, 18 or the object 12. The set ofsensors 20 can include sensors to detect visible radiation, UV radiation(e.g., blue-UV, UV-C, and/or the like), infrared radiation, chemicalsfluorescence, and/or the like. For example, in an embodiment, the set ofsensors 20 can include one or more sensors configured to detectfluorescent light radiated by the microorganisms on the object 12. In anembodiment, the set of sensors 20 can include one or more fluorescentradiation sensors configured to detect fluorescent radiation induced onthe surface of the object 12 by one or more of the sets of radiationsources 14, 16, 18. In an embodiment, the third set of radiation sources18 can include one or more visible radiation sources and the set ofsensors 20 can include a visual camera configured to monitor theconditions of the object 12. For example, the visual camera can detectchanges in the surface appearance of the object 12 (e.g., changes incolor, mildew growth, presence of dirt particles, changes in reflectiveor scattering properties of the surface, and/or the like). In anembodiment, the set of sensors 20 can also include environmentalcondition sensors, such as a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, agas sensor, and/or the like.

In an embodiment, the object 12 can include a photo-catalyst, such astitanium dioxide (TiO₂), copper, silver, copper/silver particles, and/orthe like. Such a photo-catalyst can further disrupt the growth andproliferation of microorganisms on the object 12.

The illuminator 10 includes a control unit 22 that is configured tocontrol and/or adjust the set of radiation sources 14, 16, 18 and theset of sensors 20. The control unit 22 can control and/or adjust the setof radiation sources 14, 16, 18 according to a plurality of radiationsettings. The plurality of radiation settings can be based upon variousenvironmental conditions in which the object 12 is placed (e.g., thelocation of the object 12, and/or the like), various attributesregarding the object 12 and/or the area surrounding the object 12determined by the set of sensors 20, and/or the like. For example, thecontroller 22 can determine a set of attributes regarding the object 12and/or the area surrounding the object 12 and adjust the plurality ofradiation settings of the set of radiation sources 14, 16, 18 and theset of sensors 20 to achieve a target set of attributes for the object12 and/or the area surrounding the object 12.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic of an illustrative system 100 that can beimplemented with any of the embodiments described in conjunction withFIG. 1 according to an embodiment. In this embodiment, the system 100 isshown including the illuminator 110 that includes the set of UV-Csources 114, the set of blue-UV sources 116, the set of sensors 120, anda set of environmental devices 130. The third set of radiation sources118 (FIG. 1) are not shown for clarity, but it is understood that theycan be included in the illuminator 110.

As discussed herein, the system 100 can include the control unit 122 forcontrolling and adjusting the plurality of radiation settings for theset of UV-C sources 114 and the set of blue-UV sources 116 andcontrolling and receiving data from the set of sensors 120. In anembodiment, the control unit 122 can be implemented as a computer system220 including an analysis program 230, which makes the computer system220 operable to manage the various components in the illuminator 110 inthe manner described herein. In particular, the analysis program 230 canenable the computer system 220 to operate the set of UV-C sources 114and the set of blue-UV sources 116 in order to generate and directultraviolet radiation towards the object 112. The computer system 220can also process data corresponding to one or more attributes regardingthe object, which can be acquired by the set of sensors 120, and/or anultraviolet radiation history stored as object data 240. The computersystem 220 can individually control each ultraviolet radiation source inthe set of UV-C sources 114 and the set of blue-UV sources 116 and eachindividual sensor in the set of sensors 120 and/or control two or moreof the ultraviolet radiation sources and the sensors as a group.Furthermore, the ultraviolet radiation sources in the illuminator 110can emit ultraviolet radiation of substantially the same wavelength orof multiple distinct wavelengths.

In an embodiment, during an initial period of operation, the computersystem 220 can acquire data from at least one of the sensors in the setof sensors 120 regarding one or more attributes of the object 112 andgenerate data 240 for further processing. The data 240 can includeinformation regarding a presence of an object 112, a weight of an object112, a microorganism concentration and/or location on the object 112, asize of an object 112, and/or the like. The computer system 220 can usethe data 240 to control one or more aspects of the ultraviolet radiationgenerated by the set of UV-C sources 114 and/or the set of blue-UVsources 116 during an illumination period.

Furthermore, one or more aspects of the operation of the ultravioletradiation sources in the set of UV-C sources 114 and the set of blue-UVsources 116 can be controlled or adjusted by a user 102 via an externalinterface I/O component 226B. The external interface I/O component 226Bcan be located on the exterior of the illuminator 110, and used to allowthe user 102 to control (e.g., selectively turn on/off) the ultravioletradiation sources 114, 116.

The external interface I/O component 226B can include, for example, atouch screen that can selectively display user interface controls, suchas control dials, which can enable the user 102 to adjust one or moreof: an intensity, scheduling, and/or other operational properties of theset of ultraviolet radiation sources 114, 116 in the illuminator 110(e.g., operating parameters, radiation characteristics). In anembodiment, the external interface I/O component 226B could conceivablyinclude a keyboard, a plurality of buttons, a joystick-like controlmechanism, and/or the like, which can enable the user 102 to control oneor more aspects of the operation of the set of ultraviolet radiationsources 114, 116. The external interface I/O component 226B also caninclude any combination of various output devices (e.g., an LED, avisual display), which can be operated by the computer system 220 toprovide status information pertaining to the illumination period of theobject for use by the user 102. For example, the external interface I/Ocomponent 226B can include one or more LEDs for emitting a visual lightfor the user 102, e.g., to indicate a status of the illumination period.In an embodiment, the external interface I/O component 226B can includea speaker for providing an alarm (e.g., an auditory signal), e.g., forsignaling that ultraviolet radiation is being generated or that theobject had been illuminated by ultraviolet radiation.

The computer system 220 is shown including a processing component 222(e.g., one or more processors), a storage component 224 (e.g., a storagehierarchy), an input/output (I/O) component 226A (e.g., one or more I/Ointerfaces and/or devices), and a communications pathway 228. Ingeneral, the processing component 222 executes program code, such as theanalysis program 230, which is at least partially fixed in the storagecomponent 224. While executing program code, the processing component222 can process data, which can result in reading and/or writingtransformed data from/to the storage component 224 and/or the I/Ocomponent 226A for further processing.

The pathway 228 provides a communications link between each of thecomponents in the computer system 220. The I/O component 226A and/or theexternal interface I/O component 226B can comprise one or more human I/Odevices, which enable a human user 102 to interact with the computersystem 220 and/or one or more communications devices to enable a systemuser 102 to communicate with the computer system 220 using any type ofcommunications link. To this extent, during execution by the computersystem 220, the analysis program 230 can manage a set of interfaces(e.g., graphical user interface(s), application program interface,and/or the like) that enable human and/or system users 102 to interactwith the analysis program 230. Furthermore, the analysis program 230 canmanage (e.g., store, retrieve, create, manipulate, organize, present,etc.) the data, such as the object data 240, using any solution.

In any event, the computer system 220 can comprise one or more generalpurpose computing articles of manufacture (e.g., computing devices)capable of executing program code, such as the analysis program 230,installed thereon. As used herein, it is understood that “program code”means any collection of instructions, in any language, code or notation,that cause a computing device having an information processingcapability to perform a particular function either directly or after anycombination of the following: (a) conversion to another language, codeor notation; (b) reproduction in a different material form; and/or (c)decompression. To this extent, the analysis program 230 can be embodiedas any combination of system software and/or application software.

Furthermore, the analysis program 230 can be implemented using a set ofmodules 232. In this case, a module 232 can enable the computer system220 to perform a set of tasks used by the analysis program 230, and canbe separately developed and/or implemented apart from other portions ofthe analysis program 230. When the computer system 220 comprisesmultiple computing devices, each computing device can have only aportion of the analysis program 230 fixed thereon (e.g., one or moremodules 232). However, it is understood that the computer system 220 andthe analysis program 230 are only representative of various possibleequivalent monitoring and/or control systems that may perform a processdescribed herein with regard to the control unit, the ultravioletradiation sources and the sensors. To this extent, in other embodiments,the functionality provided by the computer system 220 and the analysisprogram 230 can be at least partially implemented by one or morecomputing devices that include any combination of general and/orspecific purpose hardware with or without program code.

In each embodiment, the hardware and program code, if included, can becreated using standard engineering and programming techniques,respectively. In another embodiment, the control unit can be implementedwithout any computing device, e.g., using a closed loop circuitimplementing a feedback control loop in which the outputs of one or moresensors are used as inputs to control the operation of the disinfectingpad. Illustrative aspects of the invention are further described inconjunction with the computer system 220. However, it is understood thatthe functionality described in conjunction therewith can be implementedby any type of monitoring and/or control system.

Regardless, when the computer system 220 includes multiple computingdevices, the computing devices can communicate over any type ofcommunications link. Furthermore, while performing a process describedherein, the computer system 220 can communicate with one or more othercomputer systems, such as the user 102, using any type of communicationslink. In either case, the communications link can comprise anycombination of various types of wired and/or wireless links; compriseany combination of one or more types of networks; and/or utilize anycombination of various types of transmission techniques and protocols.

Some or all of the components depicted in FIG. 2 can receive power froma power source 140. The power source 140 can take the form of one ormore batteries, a vibration power generator that can generate powerbased on magnetic inducted oscillations or stresses developed on apiezoelectric crystal, a wall plug for accessing electrical powersupplied from a grid, and/or the like. In an embodiment, the powersource can include a super capacitor that is rechargeable. Other powercomponents that are suitable for use as the power source can includesolar, a mechanical energy to electrical energy converter such as arechargeable device, etc.

In an embodiment, the control unit 122 can detect changes imparted tothe object 12 from the set of radiation sources 114, 116 as a functionof data determined by the set of sensors 120. In particular, the controlunit 122 can detect the changes as a function of the data associatedwith the irradiation by the set of UV-C sources 114 and the blue-UVsources 116, and the data associated with environmental conditionssurrounding the object 112. In one embodiment, the data associated withthe irradiation can include the frequency, intensity, dosage, duration,and wavelength from the radiation emitted by the set of UV-C sources 116and the blue-UV sources 118. In an embodiment, when sterilizing thesurface of the object 112, the changes that can be detected by the setof sensors 120 can include change in color, change in fluorescence fromthe surface, change in reflective properties of the surface, and/or thelike.

In an embodiment, the object 112 can be a living organism, such as aperson or an animal, and the system 100 can be used to apply a medicaltreatment. The illuminator 110 can include an environmental device 130that detects a set of environmental conditions that can include variousvital signs such as, blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, pulse,humidity of the skin, reflectivity of the skin, and/or the like. Thechanges that can be detected by the control unit 122 can include, butare not limited to, color changes of the human/animal skin, visualchanges occurring over the surface of the human/animal skin (e.g.,curing of the wounds, changes in the scarring tissue), and/or the like.

The control unit 122 can detect the changes imparted to the object 112from the data obtained from the set of sensors 120 using any solution.For example, in an embodiment, the set of sensors 120 can include avisual camera that is sensitive to visible radiation and the illuminatorcan include a third set of radiation sources 118 (FIG. 1) that includesa source of visible radiation. The visual camera can acquire image dataof the object 112 at a first instance of time and at a later instance oftime under similar visible radiation conditions, assuming that thesurface is not moved or otherwise physically altered. The control unit122 can compare the image data to determine changes in color, surfaceoptical properties, and/or the like. The changes in color can provideinformation regarding an overall microbial growth. In an embodiment, theset of sensors 120 could also include a fluorescent detector todetermine the presence of a fluorescent signal from the object 112. Thethird set of radiation sources 118 (FIG. 1) can include fluorescentradiation sources and the set of sensors 120 can include a fluorescencesensor in order to acquire information regarding changes of the surfacerelated to accumulation of fluorescent bacteria. Similar to the visualsource and camera, the fluorescent sources and sensors can acquire dataat set instances of time, which the control unit 122 can compare at suchdifferent instances.

In one embodiment, the control unit 122 can also include a wirelesstransmitter and receiver that is configured to communicate with a remotelocation via Wi-Fi, BLUETOOTH, and/or the like. As used herein, a remotelocation is a location that is apart from the system 100. For example, aremote computer can be used to transmit operational instructions to thewireless transmitter and receiver. The operational instructions can beused to program functions performed and managed by the control unit 122.In another embodiment, the wireless transmitter and receiver cantransmit data calculations (e.g., changes), data from the sensors to theremote computer, to facilitate further use of the system 100 with theobject 112.

Turning now to FIGS. 3A and 3B, graphical representations that depictthe operation of a scenario in which a first set of radiation sourcesand a second set of radiation sources, such as the first set ofradiation sources 14 and the second set of radiation sources 16 shown inthe embodiment shown in FIG. 1, are operated as a function of time. Asshown in FIG. 3A, at section 300 of the graph, ultraviolet radiationfrom the second set of the radiation sources (e.g., blue-UV radiation)is used while determining whether there is any contamination of theobject (e.g., based on an amplitude of a fluorescent signal sensed by afluorescent sensor, visual data from a visual camera, and/or the like).For example, the object can be irradiated with a radiation source thatis capable of eliciting a fluorescent signal if microbial activity ispresent. The amplitude of the fluorescent signal can indicate the levelof contamination and/or the amount of microbial activity. The object canbe irradiated by blue-UV radiation over a prolonged period of time thatranges from tens of minutes to tens of hours while determining whetherthere is a fluorescent signal. During this time, the control unit andthe fluorescence sensor operate in conjunction to monitor the amount ofcontamination present on the surface of the object.

In this example, FIG. 3B shows a sharp increase in the growth ofmicroorganism activity as noted by reference element 310. When the levelof microorganism activity approaches a predetermined contaminationthreshold 320 at time t that is indicative of a need for more intenseultraviolet irradiation treatment due to rapid growth of microbialactivity, then the control unit will direct the first set of ultravioletradiation sources (e.g., UV-C radiation) to perform the more intenseultraviolet irradiation treatment at the short burst of intensity thatlasts at most a few minutes (FIG. 3A, reference number 330) starting ator shortly after time t. In this manner, ultraviolet radiation (e.g.,UV-C radiation) applied from the first set of ultraviolet radiationsources can bring microbial activity within appropriate limits byrapidly suppressing microbial activity on the surface of the object. Theblue-UV radiation from the second set of radiation sources is used tomaintain microbial activity within limits over an extended period oftime, while the UV-C radiation from the first set of radiation sourcesis designed to rapidly suppress microbial activity.

Turning now to FIG. 4, an illustrative enclosure 400 including anilluminator 410 according to an embodiment is shown. Although theenclosure 400 is shown as a box, it is understood that the enclosure 400can by any shape and size. The interior of the enclosure 400 can includeUV reflective and/or UV diffusively reflective materials, which are usedto recycle the ultraviolet radiation within the enclosure 400. Anembodiment of a diffusive ultraviolet reflective layer comprises acoating or thin film of a fluoropolymer. Examples of a fluoropolymerthat are suitable as a diffusive ultraviolet reflective material thatenables diffusive reflectivity can include, but are not limited to,expanding polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) membrane (e.g., GORE® DRP®Diffuse Reflector Material), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and/or thelike. Other examples of ultraviolet material that can be used to recycleradiation can include, but are not limited to, polished aluminum, Braggreflective dielectric mirrors, omni-directional mirrors comprisingdielectric and metallic layers (e.g., aluminum), and/or the like.

In an embodiment, reflective surfaces can be combined with partially UVtransparent surfaces designed for further reflection, recycling andlight guiding UV radiation. In an embodiment, such surfaces can compriseUV partially transparent material such as fluoropolymers, Al₂O₃,sapphire, SiO₂, CaF₂, MgF₂, and/or the like. In this case, a surface canbe formed of a partially UV transparent layer located on the interiorside of the surface and a reflective layer located adjacent to thepartially UV transparent layer on the exterior side of the surface. Theobject 12 to be disinfected is located within the enclosure 400. In anembodiment, the illuminator 410 is located on a side of the enclosure400 that is opposite of the side that the object 12 is located. Althoughit is not shown, the enclosure 400 can include an additional enclosurelocated therein designed for producing a hydroxyl group usingultraviolet radiation, a photo-catalyst (e.g., TiO₂), water vapor,and/or the like, wherein the hydroxyl group is used to further disinfectthe object 12.

As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include theplural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.Additionally, the terms “comprises,” “includes,” “has,” and relatedforms of each, when used in this specification, specify the presence ofstated features, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one ormore other features and/or groups thereof.

The foregoing description of various aspects of the invention has beenpresented for purposes of illustration and description. It is notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise formdisclosed, and obviously, many modifications and variations arepossible. Such modifications and variations that may be apparent to anindividual in the art are included within the scope of the invention asdefined by the accompanying claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An illuminator, comprising: a first set ofultraviolet radiation sources, each ultraviolet radiation source in thefirst set of ultraviolet radiation sources operating in a wavelengthrange of approximately 270 nanometers to approximately 290 nanometers; asecond set of ultraviolet radiation sources, each ultraviolet radiationsource in the second set of ultraviolet radiation sources operating in awavelength range of approximately 380 nanometers to approximately 420nanometers; a set of sensors for acquiring data regarding at least oneobject to be irradiated by the first and the second set of ultravioletradiation sources; and a control system configured to control and adjusta set of radiation settings for the first and the second set ofultraviolet radiation sources based on the data acquired by the set ofsensors, wherein the control system operates the second set ofultraviolet radiation sources to maintain microbial activity within alimit over time and the control system operates the first set ofultraviolet radiation sources to rapidly suppress microbial activity. 2.The illuminator of claim 1, further comprising a set of radiationsources configured to irradiate the at least one object with radiationcapable of eliciting a fluorescent signal, wherein the set of radiationsettings is based on an amplitude of the fluorescent signal.
 3. Theilluminator of claim 2, wherein the set of sensors includes at least onefluorescent detector.
 4. The illuminator of claim 1, wherein the set ofsensors includes a visual camera configured to detect a change in asurface of the at least one object.
 5. The illuminator of claim 4,wherein a change in the surface of the at least one object includes atleast one of: a change in color, a change in mildew growth, or a changein an amount of dirt particles.
 6. The illuminator of claim 1, furthercomprising an input system configured to allow a user to interact withthe control system to manually control the set of radiation settings. 7.The illuminator of claim 1, wherein the set of radiation settingsincludes turning off the second set of ultraviolet radiation sources andturning on the first set of ultraviolet radiation sources in response todetecting a level of microbial activity above a threshold level.
 8. Theilluminator of claim 7, wherein the set of radiation settings includesturning on the second set of ultraviolet radiation sources and turningoff the first set of ultraviolet radiation sources in response to alevel of microbial activity below the threshold level.
 9. A system,comprising: at least one object; an illuminator configured to disinfectthe at least one object by directing ultraviolet radiation at the atleast one object, the illuminator comprising: a first set of ultravioletradiation sources, each ultraviolet radiation source in the first set ofultraviolet radiation sources operating in a wavelength range ofapproximately 270 nanometers to approximately 290 nanometers; a secondset of ultraviolet radiation sources, each ultraviolet radiation sourcein the second set of ultraviolet radiation sources operating in awavelength range of approximately 380 nanometers to approximately 420nanometers; a set of sensors for acquiring data regarding at least oneobject to be irradiated by the first and the second set of ultravioletradiation sources; and a control system configured to control and adjusta set of radiation settings for the first and the second set ofultraviolet radiation sources based on the data acquired by the set ofsensors, wherein the control system operates the second set ofultraviolet radiation sources to maintain microbial activity within alimit over time and the control system operates the first set ofultraviolet radiation sources to rapidly suppress microbial activity.10. The system of claim 9, further comprising a set of radiation sourcesconfigured to irradiate the at least one object with radiation capableof eliciting a fluorescent signal, wherein the set of radiation settingsis based on an amplitude of the fluorescent signal.
 11. The system ofclaim 10, wherein the set of sensors includes at least one fluorescentdetector.
 12. The system of claim 9, wherein the set of sensors includesa visual camera configured to detect a change in a surface of the atleast one object.
 13. The system of claim 12, wherein a change in thesurface of the at least one object includes at least one of: a change incolor, a change in mildew growth, or a change in an amount of dirtparticles.
 14. The system of claim 9, further comprising an input systemconfigured to allow a user to interact with the control system tomanually control the set of radiation settings.
 15. The system of claim9, wherein the set of radiation settings includes turning off the secondset of ultraviolet radiation sources and turning on the first set ofultraviolet radiation sources in response to detecting a level ofmicrobial activity above a threshold level.
 16. The system of claim 15,wherein the set of radiation settings includes turning on the second setof ultraviolet radiation sources and turning off the first set ofultraviolet radiation sources in response to a level of microbialactivity below the threshold level.
 17. An enclosure, comprising: anilluminator located adjacent to the enclosure, the illuminatorconfigured to direct ultraviolet radiation within the enclosure, theilluminator comprising: a first set of ultraviolet radiation sources,each ultraviolet radiation source in the first set of ultravioletradiation sources operating in a wavelength range of approximately 270nanometers to approximately 290 nanometers; a second set of ultravioletradiation sources, each ultraviolet radiation source in the second setof ultraviolet radiation sources operating in a wavelength range ofapproximately 380 nanometers to approximately 420 nanometers; a set ofsensors for acquiring data regarding at least one object to beirradiated by the first and the second set of ultraviolet radiationsources; and a control system configured to control and adjust a set ofradiation settings for the first and the second set of ultravioletradiation sources based on the data acquired by the set of sensors,wherein the control system operates the second set of ultravioletradiation sources to maintain microbial activity within a limit overtime and the control system operates the first set of ultravioletradiation sources to rapidly suppress microbial activity.
 18. Theenclosure of claim 17, further comprising a set of radiation sourcesconfigured to irradiate the at least one object with radiation capableof eliciting a fluorescent signal, wherein the set of radiation settingsis based on an amplitude of the fluorescent signal.
 19. The enclosure ofclaim 17, wherein interior surfaces of the enclosure include anultraviolet reflective material in order to recycle the ultravioletradiation within the enclosure.
 20. The enclosure of claim 17, whereinthe set of radiation settings includes turning off the second set ofultraviolet radiation sources and turning on the first set ofultraviolet radiation sources in response to detecting a level ofmicrobial activity above a threshold level, and turning on the secondset of ultraviolet radiation sources and turning off the first set ofultraviolet radiation sources in response to a level of microbialactivity below the threshold level.